ShedHead Spotlight

 

 

 

Mike finished The Open 40th in the 60+ Masters division. 

Here are some reflections on what makes Mike awesome!

 

An odd set of circumstances came to play as to how I was introduced to the Shed.  About six years ago my son Shane and I did a Tough Mudder in Englishtown.  At that time he was in the midst of his 10 year battle with drug addiction.  He wasn’t in a good place and the challenge was difficult for him.  Fast forward three years after battling for his life, he found himself celebrating 2 years sober and clean living in Laguna Beach, California. He called me and said “Dad, I have a proposition for you, there’s going to be a Tough Mudder out here in 2 months and it would mean the world to me if you would come out here and do it with me”.  As I was mulling it over he then proceeded to add “Dad, if you come out here and do this race with me I guarantee you that for the first time in my life I will carry you”.  Say no more, I needed to get in the best shape I could and in a hurry! My brother Tom had been going to the Shed for a few months and said you need to come here. I’ve been a member now for almost 3 years.

 

 

 

Throughout my life as an athlete I’ve come to find that I have a tremendous amount of discipline and perseverance – not only as an athlete but as a person.  My experience at the Shed has only reinforced that.  I loved team sports and for all that it brings: friendships, unity & teamwork, but I’ve really excelled as an athlete on the individual level.  My mindset has always been to challenge myself, apply my greatest efforts & stay positive. What I love about the Shed is the daily WOD.  The workout is described to you in detail and then it’s your choice on how you choose to challenge it.  I love the fun banter and relationships I’ve made with many  people I’ve met through attending the Shed.

The past three years at the Shed have only continued to reinforce certain mindset that I’ve always lived with. “It doesn’t matter what anyone else does – you just be you”.  It doesn’t matter if it’s an athletic skill or difficult challenge in life, work at it, stay positive and commit to doing the best you can.

 

4.  How did you prepare to be ready for this year’s Open, as well as what did you enjoy best of the experience? How do you feel about moving on to the next round with the age qualifiers?
With this being my 3rd year in The Open I’ve learned to work a little harder and get a little more skilled. These 2 factors have allowed me to move up the world rankings each year: 197th, 119th to 40th this year.  Each year I look back and reassess where my weaknesses were. First it was DU, then handstand walking then on to muscle ups.  One area that I really focused on with the help of Pat was how to take a consistent timed breather when I was beginning to hit the wall.  As I prepare for the online qualifiers I hope to improve my stamina throughout the 5 challenges in 4 days.

I find the best part of doing The Open is how it brings everyone together. Everyone’s cheering each other on and giving their absolute best – it is great to see.  In that environment you’re also developing greater relationships with different Shed members.

 

All of our Shed coaches uniquely bring their own  personalities to each workout – which makes them special. In no particular order we have:
*The humorous WOD description Coach
*Knowledgeable “why you’re doing this” Coach
*Warm up killer Coach
*Gentle soft spoken Coach
*Most positive cheering Coach
*Most flexible stick figure Coach
*Big time cardio Coach
*Our no nonsense get to work Coach
*And lastly our sweet homemaker Coach❤️

 

In my Monday night poker crew, which is now in its 12th year, our very own Ken Nasse has given me the name “The Elder”.  I guess that means I’m a bit older and perhaps have experienced a bit more.  What I’ve learned is that everyone in life carries burdens, sometimes you see them carrying it, sometimes they carry it so well you’d think that they don’t have a care in the world.  Everyone deserves compassion and empathy.  I have come to understand I control one thing in my life that determines my reality  and that simply is “How do I CHOOSE to react to everything that happens in my life”.  That is the only thing I own.  In my bag of burdens has been how to provide for and raise 5 kids, survive divorce, cancer, blood clots, how to parent a son through his addiction and a daughter through an abusive relationship.  I’ve learned I can choose to be angry, bitter, feel unfortunate or I can choose to be thankful, grateful, and blessed.  In choosing the latter I choose my reality.

 

Over the past 25 years as a teacher I’ve chosen to import words of wisdom to all my students in Hopatcong via the daily morning announcements.  Every show starts with “Good morning and welcome to WTLB (words to live by) with J in the morning”.  My main focus was to give them words of thought, perhaps ideas to help them with what they’re going through or how to stay the course. Throughout those years I’ve had some sayings that were very  impactful to me during different stages of my life.  My favorite WTLB that I am holding onto right now was given to me on a jacket for Father’s Day from my son.  It simply says
“BE A GOOD PERSON”.

 

 

 

If you have a story you would like to share, please submit to: janine@ptd.net

 

 

 

 

Lisa will be running the NYC marathon on November 3rd. It will be her first marathon.

Here are a few questions we asked Lisa about her training and her journey:

 

My first race was in July 2012 and it was a 5K in Branchville.  Super hilly and I just remember what the heck am I doing but also remembering how much I enjoyed it.  

2. What, if any, obstacles have you encountered training for your marathon?

I have gone through some achilles and feet issues in the beginning of training but with Physical Therapy and realizing the importance of stretching I have past that hurdle.  Training for a marathon takes a toll on your body both physically and mentally so the support of my family always helps.    

 

Cross training, regardless of what you are doing, is so important.  I feel with CrossFit it provides that “push factor” – pushing yourself beyond what you would normally do.  Going into a WOD and being like “What the hell am I about to do” and then completing the WOD and feeling accomplished. Not only has CrossFit made me stronger physically but also mentally.  Pushing my body and mind to do things out of my comfort zone.  

4.  What advice do you have for anyone interested in running a half, full, or even starting to run at all?  

Just run.  Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, don’t worry how long it takes you or what your pace is.  Just get out there and enjoy it and don’t stop – its OK to be uncomfortable and push past it.  

5.  What’s your favorite pre, during and post run snacks?  

Before my run I have what’s called the “Mommy Breakfast” which is a Natures Path Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice waffle, Banana and Justins vanilla almond butter (I have been hiding my almond butter because my boys keep eating it on me).

During my run I have tried a few different things but what I have liked and feel good eating is a Clif Bar – Peanut butter banana with dark chocolate, Honey Stinger energy gels and the old school stick pretzels.

After my runs especially the long runs I drink Nutrigardens beet boost with tart cherry extract (helps with inflammation) and then a huge cup of chai tea latte.

Hydration is key so I am constantly drinking water and Nooma coconut water (watermelon lime).

 

 

 

If you have a story you would like to share, please submit to: janine@ptd.net